Team Sheppard Joins The Colbert Project to Strengthen Community Partnership Through Clean-Up

  • Published
  • By 2d Lt Rainy Ellis
  • 82d Training Wing Public Affairs
WICHITA FALLS, Texas --  

In a powerful display of community partnership, members of Team Sheppard joined forces with Wichita Falls residents for a large-scale clean-up on Saturday, May 17, as part of The Colbert Project, a civic initiative launched by Wichita Falls native and professional NFL athlete Adrian Colbert to revitalize the east side of the city.

Uniformed personnel, civilian employees and family members from Sheppard Air Force Base gathered at Jalonick Park to begin the clean-up, working side by side with local volunteers to clear debris, landscape and restore public spaces. The effort reflects the Air Force’s enduring commitment to service beyond the mission and its role as a trusted partner in the community.

“This is a great reminder of what ‘Strength in Unity’ can do when we bring the military and community together for any project—big or small,” said Col. Kellie S. Courtland, deputy commander of the 82nd Training Wing.

Colbert, a Southeast Wichita Falls native, founded The Colbert Project to give back to his hometown by empowering youth, restoring pride in underserved neighborhoods and encouraging civic involvement. The clean-up was one of several ongoing efforts under the initiative, focused on creating safe, welcoming environments through grassroots action.

Team Sheppard’s participation supports Air Education and Training Command’s priority to build and maintain trusted community relationships. Events like this one highlight the installation’s “whole-of-base” approach to integration and its dedication to serving as both a mission-focused unit and a responsible neighbor.

“The Wichita Falls community is incredibly supportive of our airmen, families and mission,” Col. Courtland said. “We could not ask for a better community outside our gate.”

The clean-up served as a visible example of how unified efforts can lead to meaningful and lasting change, both on and off base. Team Sheppard remains committed to strengthening ties with the local community through action, respect and shared purpose.